Labor Day Holiday Travel - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Beverly Danner and Elaine Swindling are among the 33 million Americans AAA predicts are taking long road trips during this Labor Day holiday weekend.

"The sound of the beach is calling us," Ohio resident Elaine Swindling said.

Traveling all the way from Cincinnati, Ohio; even passing throw rain remnants of Isaac.

"We met Isaac yesterday a little and blew right threw him," Ohio resident Beverly Danner said.

They're heading to Gulf Shores, but after nine hours on the road, they stayed overnight in Prattville.

"750 miles and we got a cooler full of beer, bathing suits and our sun glasses," Danner said.

There are some sodas in the cooler as well, as the two check out of Hampton Inn in Prattville and head out early in the morning for the beach.

People traveling from all over stopped along 1-65 for gas and food. AAA predicts travelers will spend about $50 dollars more on their long weekends this year compared to last year.

"The fun is the priority," Danner said.  

And that's the case for many this Labor Day as the sluggish economy is not impacting many travelers' Labor Day finances.

The national average price of gas for Labor Day is projected to be the highest ever. The ladies say it will take three fill-ups one way but the higher gas prices didn't stop them from this long road trip. "We started this trip last year and planned to do it every year, so we didn't even discuss gas prices," Danner said.

We are all feeling the increase at the pump, which is typically around busy travel holidays, but Isaac also spiked gas prices even more. Sunday, the national average was $3.80, but for the last five years it's been averaging around $3.08. Here in Alabama the average is $3.61.

Nashville resident Steve Goins is making a pit stop in Prattville after returning from Panama City. He says the increase at the pump wasn't a factor.

"We all needed the time off so if it would have been 50 cents extra, we would have still done it," Goins said.

They say even if there's an overcast or rain, they're looking forward to rest and relaxation by the beach.

Travelers are also taking note of the increase of state troopers and police out and about.

"They've been everywhere and pulled everybody over so we've been lucky; cruise control has been on," Swindling said.

Troopers are checking for driver's license and insurance and are on the lookout for speeders and drunk drivers.

Here in Alabama, the holiday blitz ends Monday at midnight, so buckle up and be safe.

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